Detonations and Low-Altitude Aircraft Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Witness testimonies circulated of multiple blasts and the roar of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday morning. This situation has led to claims from Venezuela's leadership and requests for diplomatic intervention.
Caracas Accuses United States of Aggression
The authoritarian government has accused the US of what it calls "imperialist aggression," claiming that former President Trump reportedly ordered attacks against the Latin American country. In an official statement, the authorities stated that strikes had impacted the capital and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our only objective of this attack is to gain control of our nation's strategic resources, especially its petroleum and resources," Venezuela said.
Caracas called on the world to censure the operations, which it termed a "flagrant violation of global law" that placed millions of lives in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Installations Targeted
Residents spoke of experiencing roughly several explosions around 2:00 AM in the morning. Citizens in several neighborhoods allegedly rushed into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. This is frightening. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the area," stated one witness.
Plumes of smoke was reported billowing from major army bases in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to reside.
International Condemnation
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on X that "Currently they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He requested an urgent emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the Security Council, said it would initiate security plans at its shared border with its neighbor.
Background
These alleged strikes come after a extended pressure campaign by the US against the Maduro government. Since last summer, authorities reported a substantial American military deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of air strikes on boats linked to narco-trafficking.
The administration has stated "the implementation of external disturbance" and ordered all defense plans to be initiated. It has also called on its supporters to protest and "reject this external aggression."
The White House and the Defense Department did not immediately addressed inquiries for comment regarding the events.
